Canada introduces Bill for Self-Government Treaty with the Manitoba Métis Federation

February 12, 2026

Today, with the support of the Manitoba Métis Federation, the National Government of the Red River Métis, the Honourable Rebecca Alty Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations introduced Bill C-21. If passed, Bill C-21 will give effect to the Red River Métis Self-Government Recognition and Implementation Treaty - the first Self-Government Treaty reached with a Métis Government in Canada.

This Self-Government Treaty was developed in full partnership with the Manitoba Métis Federation. The Treaty is a major milestone toward reconciliation and will have positive impacts for Red River Métis citizens. It will support a revitalized government-to-government relationship with the Manitoba Métis Federation as the Red River Métis continue to chart their own path to a more prosperous future.

This Self-Government Treaty formally recognizes the Manitoba Métis Federation as the government of the Red River Métis and their inherent right to govern themselves. It sets out the Manitoba Métis Federation's powers to make Red River Métis laws about internal matters like how their leaders are selected, who their citizens are and how their government operates. This modern-day Treaty on governance will create a solid and stable foundation for working together as Treaty partners in the future to build Canada strong.

This is an important example of how Canada is working in partnership with Indigenous Peoples - supporting government-to-government relationships, meeting constitutional obligations and advancing reconciliation.

Quotes

"This Treaty has been 156 years in the making, and represents the cherished vision of our Ancestors and Elders, who fought so hard to preserve our existence and keep the flame of our Nationhood alive through the dark times. This legislation realizes their vision, and shows that the fighting spirit of the Red River Métis - Canada's negotiation partner in Confederation and the founders of Manitoba - can never be dismissed when we stand for what we believe in. Through this Treaty, our ability to support the country we love in these challenging times has only been strengthened. We look forward to a renewed Nation-to-Nation relationship with the federal government, as we work together to keep Canada strong, united and free."

David Chartrand, President of the National Government of the Red River Métis

"This co-developed Self-Government Treaty is a strong foundation for moving forward in true partnership with the Manitoba Métis Federation. We will continue to work together to find shared solutions that promote reconciliation and greater prosperity for the benefit of Red River Métis today and for future generations."

The Honourable Rebecca Alty
Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations

Quick facts

• Canada recognizes the Manitoba Métis Federation as an Indigenous Government under a recognition agreement signed in 2021. The Self-Government Treaty builds on this recognition, but includes more details on key areas like how to make laws work in harmony and resolve disputes.
• Like the 2021 agreement, the Treaty with the Red River Métis does not include harvesting rights, land or land-related rights.
• The focus is on governance matters that are internal to the Manitoba Métis Federation and related laws that will apply to the Red River Métis .
• If passed, this federal legislation will bring the Self-Government Treaty into effect in Canadian law. The Treaty will then replace the 2021 agreement and be protected by Canada's Constitution.
• The Treaty sets out a process for negotiating other self-government arrangements with the Red River Métis in the future. This process will include consultation with other Indigenous groups when the duty to consult is triggered, before any such future arrangements can be finalized.

Related links

Manitoba Métis Federation

Red River Métis Self-Government Recognition and Implementation Treaty

-30-

For more information, media may contact:

Kat Patenaude
Media Relations Advisor
Manitoba Métis Federation
204-801-7710
Kat.patenaude@mmf.mb.ca

Alec Wilson
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Rebecca Alty
Minister of Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations
alec.wilson@rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca
1-819-661-1538

Media Relations
Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern and Arctic Affairs Canada
RCAANC.media.CIRNAC@sac-isc.gc.ca

Stay connected
Join the conversation about Indigenous Peoples in Canada:
X: @GCIndigenous  
Facebook: @GCIndigenous  
Instagram: @gcindigenous  
IG: @manitobametisfederation
FB: @ManitobaMetisFederation

You can subscribe to receive our news releases and speeches via RSS feeds. For more information or to subscribe, visit www.cirnac.gc.ca/RSS.

 

---

View More